Somali Press - Morocco Overview

Morocco - Introduction

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A kingdom located at a crossroads between Europe and Africa, Morocco has maintained stability despite economic hardship in the past and large numbers of migrants passing through on their way to Europe.

Morocco Facts

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Official name: The Kingdom of Morocco

National name: al-Mamlaka al-Maghrebia

Independence: 2 March 1956 (from France)

Area: 710,850 sq km (including W Sahara)

Land area: 172,317 sq mi (446,301 sq km)

Land & People, Religion Language and Climate of Morocco

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Located on the western shoulder of North Africa, Morocco's coastline borders both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. On the southern side of the strategic Straits of Gibraltar, the country is a mixture of high mountains, desert plateaux and rich coastal plains.

Recent History of Morocco

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Morocco's strategic location has shaped its history. Beginning with the Phoenicians, many foreigners were drawn to this area.

Morocco was colonised by the French and Spanish in 1912 after bitter fighting. An anti-colonial, nationalist movement sprang up first during World War II. Conflict during the 1950s led to France and Spain recognising Moroccan independence in 1956.

Modern History of Morocco

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Romans, Visigoths, Vandals and Byzantine Greeks ruled successively in early years of Moroccan history. Arab forces began occupying Morocco in the seventh century A.D., bringing their civilization and Islam. The Alaouite dynasty, which has ruled Morocco since 1649, claims descent from the Prophet Muhammad.

Pre 20th Century History of Morocco

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Unlike other North African nations, Morocco has been largely occupied by one group of people for as long as recorded history can recall. The Berbers, or Imazighen (free men), settled in the area thousands of years ago and at one time controlled all of the land between Morocco and Egypt. Divided into clans and tribes, they have always jealously guarded their independence.

Early History of Morocco

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Morocco has been the home of the Berbers since the second millennium B.C. In A.D. 46, Morocco was annexed by Rome as part of the province of Mauritania. In Roman times Morocco was roughly coextensive with the province of Mauretania Tingitania.

Government & Politics of Morocco

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Government

Morocco is an autocratic monarchy ruled by King Mohammed VI since his accession to power in 1999, when he was 36. His father, King Hassan II, ruled the country ruthlessly from 1961 to 1999.

Foreign Relations of Morocco

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Morocco is a moderate Arab state which maintains close relations with Europe and the United States. The major issue in Morocco's foreign relations is its claim to Western Sahara.

Culture of Morocco

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Morocco is an ethnically diverse country with a rich culture and civilization. Through Moroccan history, Morocco hosted many people coming from East (Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Jews and Arabs), South (Sub-Saharan Africans) and North (Romans, Vandals, Andalusians (including Moors and Jews)). All those civilizations have had an impact on the social structure of Morocco.

Towns & cities of Morocco

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Capital (2003 est.): Rabat, 1,636,600.

Largest cities: Casablanca, 3,397,000; Fez, 941,800; Marrakech, 755,200.

Economy of Morocco

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Since the early 1990s, Morocco has embarked on a major economic restructuring programme aimed at raising living standards, cutting unemployment and boosting growth.

Media - Radio, Television and The press of Morroco

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Media

The media environment in Morocco is undergoing some major changes. Press freedom has long been an issue, but the industry is moving towards a consumer-led culture. Morocco's private press is free to cover many previously-taboo issues, including social problems. But this freedom is not unbounded.

Human Rights of Morocco

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Morocco’s human rights record is mixed. It’s human rights record was improving until 2003, then reversed course following that year's terrorist attacks. Citizens can be held for 12 days without charge. Politically-motivated persecutions were common, especially when General Oufkir became responsible for home security.